The top three were clearly in a race of their own, and the gap between the trio ebbed and flowed, but never changed, ultimately until the chequered flag fell.
National class honour went the way of Josh Fisher, who went as high as eighth overall during the course of the race. Ahead of Fisher Bruno Senna had been on a charge after getting past Jelley, but Ryan Lewis's T-Sport closed in on him and ultimately took the race's fastest lap on the 14th completion with a 1min 02.282secs.
Dirani crossed the start-finish line with one arm held aloft and a big smile on his face. He was soon on the podium celebrating.
"I'm a bit sticky," said a champagne soaked Danilo Dirani after the race, "We always want to win," he said looking to the second race of the day.
Mike Conway, in his first F3 race, was very impressive with his second place. "It's good, it's where we wanted to be," said the reigning Formula Renault UK champion. Formula Ford Festival champion rounded off the podium and reigning Scholarship (now National) class champion Ryan Lewis took a charging fourth spot.
Carlin's Christian Bakkerud took fifth from the impressive Bruno Senna, whilst Steven Kane with his last minute race deal to drive for Promactecme showed there's plenty of potential for another Lola to be challenging for podiums this year.
Marko Asmer's charge ended with an eighth place finish, and the pocket-sized charger starts from pole for race two. Susie Stoddart took a fine ninth place, whilst National class race winner Josh Fisher rounded off the top ten oin the overall standings.
Barton Mawer and Charlie Hollings completed the National class podium for drivers running with the control-spec seal Neil Brown Mugen Honda engines.
On the evidence of the first race of the season it's going to be an interesting second race of the day at
Donington
Top ten
1. Danilo Dirani
2. Mike Conway
3. Dan Clarke
4. Ryan Lewis
5. Christian Bakkerud
6. Bruno Senna
7. Steven Kane
8. Marko Asmer
9. Susie Stoddart
10. Josh Fisher
National class top three
1. Josh Fisher
2. Barton Mawer
3. Jonathan Kennard
